MARGAO: Fatorda Police have arrested six persons in connection with the alleged theft of copper wires and other materials from BSNL pillar cabinets at Fatorda and several locations across South Goa.
The case was registered after BSNL Sub-Divisional Engineer Sneha Gaonkar reported a theft at the Fatorda Stadium Pillar near SFX Chapel on September 12. Police said the suspects broke open BSNL cabinets and stole TAG blocks and copper wires.
During the investigation, police examined CCTV footage and used technical analysis to identify suspects. Three men from Meerut—Mohd Aslam (34), Shahrukh Malik (28) and Sahil Malik (30)—were arrested on September 23. Police recovered cutting equipment, reflective bibs, backpacks and track suits allegedly linked to the thefts.
Police said the accused disclosed their involvement in similar thefts at Margao, Fatorda, Colva, Maina-Curtorim and Vasco. Ten FIRs had reportedly been registered at different South Goa police stations in connection with similar cases.
Further investigation led police teams to Meerut, Delhi and Satara, where three more suspects—Sameer (23), Sakib (24) and Hasnain (24), all from Meerut—were traced and arrested.
Police said that during a recovery operation on September 27, approximately 165.190 kg of copper wires and metal materials were seized based on information provided by Mohd Aslam.
Police have also issued a notice to the alleged receiver of the stolen material, Sabir alias Ghasita Malik of Meerut, who is reportedly absconding. The notice was served on his father.
The investigation was conducted under the supervision of senior South Goa police officials, with technical assistance from the CMC South Margao team.
